Bumped. GO BRUINS. -N

GO NAVY. AP Photo: Marco Garcia

Although it had been reported earlier this week that the Notre Dame players voted to not to go a bowl game, there were conflicting published reports that there had been no vote.  John Walters on NCAA's fanshouse posted on December 3, 2009 that it is highly unlikely that ND would accept a bid, for various reasons outlined in the story. [See also report in the Chicago Tribune, "Notre Dame unlikely to go to any bowl"]

Why does this affect UCLA's bowl prospects?  Because, after you take the 7-5 teams and place them in bowls ahead of eligible 6-6 teams (which is required), the only two BCS league 6-6 teams without bowl tie ins are UCLA and Notre Dame.  There is only one slot for such a team.  The general consensus is that one of the lesser bowls, i.e., Humanitarian, New Mexico, GMAC, Little Casaers, or EagleBank would take a 6-6 BCS team before another 6-6 bowl eligible team.

So, the Notre Dame development, if it plays out, will help UCLA.  At appears that more things must still happen though. Find out what after the jump.

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I have been reading over and over (mostly on other Bruin boards) about how $UC losing this weekend hurts UCLA's bowl chances because $UC* will not go to a BSC game, meaning only the top 6 Pac 10 teams are guaranteed bowls.  Let me state for the record that I will NEVER root for $UC*, notwithstanding UCLA's chances to go to a bowl game as a result of a $UC* win.  I hope they lose out, even if it means UCLA does not go bowling.  But, all of that talk (much of it unfounded or ill-informed) did lead me to do some research about UCLA's bowl chances in bowls where the PAC 10 does not have a contractual relationship.

First things first.  As many have pointed out, UCLA MUST take care of business this weekend.  No ifs, ands, or buts. That must be the focus of the team.  The team cannot look ahead to the weeks to come or what may be.

That having been said, as fans, it is interesting to see what might happen if we do become bowl eligible.  Where this team is right now, and assuming the improvement from the last 3 weeks continues, the extra practice afforded by the bowl season would do wonders for this young team and would also help recruiting efforts.

Soooooo, assuming the Bruins become bowl eligible BUT, for any one of several reasons, are locked out of the Pac 10 tie in bowls, there are still a few scenarios in which UCLA could go bowling.

The Mountain West Conference has 5 bowl tie ins.  Assuming TCU gets into a BCS bowl, it appears that either the MWC slot in the Humanitarian Bowl and/or the MWC slot in the New Mexico bowl could be available for UCLA.  Other slots may also be available in the GMAC bowl in Mobile, Alabama (ACC #9 v. MAC, ACC team not expected to be bowl eligible) or the EagleBank Bowl in D.C. (ACC #8 v. Army, neither of which is expected to be bowl eligible).

(BTW, how it it that the 12 team ACC has 9, count em, 9, bowl tie ins?!?!?  What a joke.  But I digress . . .)

In my opinion, it is unlikely UCLA would be selected for an "east of the Mississippi bowl" for geographical and financial reasons, even though the teams that are projected for those bowls (the likes of Marshall, Middle Tennessee State, SMU, UCF) are not in the same echelon historically as UCLA.  So, for the purpose of this post, I will focus on the Humanitarian Bowl or the New Mexico Bowl, even though the GMAC or EagleBank bowls are not out of the question.

Some projections show Wyoming going to the Humanitarian Bowl.  This makes geographical sense (and, as a result brings fans and therefore $$$ to the bowl game) so Bruins need for Wyoming to be "bowl ineligible."  The Cowboys are currently 5-5 but have a tough game at TCU this weekend.  Obviously, if TCU loses, the MWC will likely lose its BCS slot, which will affect prospective teams for both the Humanitarian and New Mexico bowls.  Bruin fans need to be pulling for TCU this weekend.  After that game, Wyoming plays lowly Colorado State at home the day after Thanksgiving.  Enjoy the Friday off pulling for the underdog Rams to pull off the mild upset, making Wyoming ineligible for a bowl.

Another team UCLA fans should root against is Texas A&M.  They are also currently 5-5.  Some projections have them going to the New Mexico Bowl if the MWC cannot fill their allotment.  As is the case with the Humanitarian Bowl, it will greatly help UCLA's chances if TCU wins out and goes to a BCS bowl.  Like Wyoming in the Humanitarian Bowl, A&M in the New Mexico Bowl makes geographical sense which equals more fans traveling and more $$$ for the bowl game. A&M plays at home against Baylor this weekend and at home against Texas on Thanksgiving.  Bruin fans need for Baylor to pull the minor upset against A&M and then for Texas to take care of business against A&M.

So, in summary, if either of the above-referenced scenarios comes to fruition and UCLA beats ASU and/or $UC*, UCLA should go to bowling.  If both Wyoming and Texas A&M become bowl eligible, it could be a tough sell for Humanitarian Bowl officials choosing UCLA over Wyoming or New Mexico Bowl officials choosing UCLA over A&M.

Go Bruins, beat the Sun Devils!

Go Bruins, beat $UC*!

Go Horned Frogs, beat the Cowboys!

Go Rams, beat the Cowboys!

Go Bears, beat the Aggies.

Go 'Horns, beat the Aggies.

Finally, there are some interesting historical "bowl" sub-plots to some of the above bowls and teams:

(1) Humanitarian Bowl.  In 2001, a 7-4 UCLA team DECLINED an invitation to go to the Humanitarian Bowl allegedly because it would have cost the team more money than the $750,000 payout.  I cannot imagine the Bruins doing the same thing in 2009.

(2) New Mexico Bowl.  Although UCLA has never played in this bowl, Ed Kezarian's one and only game as UCLA head coach was a win over the University of New Mexico (which puts on the New Mexico Bowl) in the Las Vegas Bowl in 2002.  Katie Hnida became the first woman to appear in a college football game, when her extra point was blocked.

(3) Wyoming.  2004.  UCLA lost in the Las Vegas Bowl to Wyoming in perhaps CKD's most humiliating defeat.

(4) Texas A&M.  The last time UCLA won a New Years Day bowl was a victory over Texas A&M on January 1, 1998.

Bumped. GO BRUINS. - N

Well, the broken record we have been listening to for the past 3 weeks played itself again.  The last 2 and 1/2 seasons of UCLA football have been depressing to say the least.  The program has hit rock bottom (I thought that happened about this time 2 years ago).  Part of this is because it is apparent that UCLA may not even meet the modest expectations most of us set for this season (I predicted 7-5), but am thinking 4-8 or 5-7 at this point with an outside chance at 6-6 with no bowl.   Notwithstanding records, the team appears to be regressing, not improving.

I did not read the in game threads so some of the random thought below might be repeats of what has already been noted.

So, here we go . . .

1.  The defense looked totally unprepared for the wide receiver reverses that Zona ran at the Bruins in the first half.  Each seemed to go for an average of 15 yards.

2. Coach Bullough didn't make adjustments on the reverses until halftime.  After that, we contained them pretty well.  Too little, too late.

3.  At one point, it looked like Coach Chow thought to himself, "Hey, the WR reverse worked for Arizona, let's try it."  Well, UCLA used a specific package with Thigpen out wide.  Zona sniffed it out for no gain.  Why?  It was obvious from the package UCLA put in.  If UCLA runs that play out of a package that is usually for passes with Austen or Carroll, we may get some yardage.  Bringing in specific packages for specific plays tips the opposing defense.  The Bruins are way to "obvious" on offense.

4.  Kyle Bosworth had, by far, his worst game as a Bruin.  Missed tackles and lack of containment of the reverses hurt us.

5.  I do not, for the life of me, understand why C-Ram started the game.  Was Jetski's ankle hampered?  He scored 2 TDs on it and had over 100 yards last week on it.  Yet, he had only 9 carries.  Using average seniors from this point forward is a complete waste of time.  We need to be getting younger players experience for next season.  Otherwise, some of those younger players (Milton Knox comes to mind), will transfer.  I do agree that Jetski's performance was average at best for him.  Unfortunately, the handoffs to him are so telegraphed (i.e., the fullback shifting over to the side where he intends to run between the tackles) that they gain 3-4 yards on a good run.

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I wanted to quickly comment on the state of the O and D lines as we end the non-conference schedule.  I think that it is safe to say that both lines have exceeded expections.  First, the D line.

We all knew that BP was a monster but depth was a concern.  From what I have seen, our other guys have really stepped it up.  Jerzy, the other DT, has really stood out for me.  Blocked kick in the SDSU game.  Big plays last night an in Knoxville.  Backups such as Jess Ward (who I believe was the main reason for the 4th and 2 stop against UT) has played well coming off a preseason injury.  Damien Holmes made a big play (sack) last night.  David Carter has made several big sacks and, I believe, may lead the team.  The starting DEs, Bosworth and Jones, have been solid.  Suddenly, I am liking the depth as the position.  We need to do better against the spread, but I think that was more an issue with the LBs overpursuing. On to the O . . .

Maiava is really anchoring the line.  He is one nasty son of a gun.  Love his motor and his leadership.  Mike Harris has been a pleasant surprise.  He had a tough false start last night, but otherwise played very well.  Baca and X appear to be holding their own on the left side and Eddie Williams has been pretty solid.  It is nice to have the same guys starting at the same positions and growing as a unit.  Something that did not occur last season.  it is no coincidence that the Bruins had their first 100 yard rushing game since 2007.  The pass protection was outstanding last night.  No sacks.  Craft had time.  It was only KSU, but the line also did OK against a tough UT D in Knoxville, and held its own against a tricky Rocky Long scheme in the SDSU game.

Lifetime Bruin and former UCLA running back, Maurice Jones-Drew, has partnered with Winn-Dixie (a popular supermarket chain in the south) to create the GoMoJo sandwich, a submarine sandwich to be offered at Winn-Dixie delicatessans.  Since there are Winn-Dixies here in Orlando, I plan to sample one in the near future.   Here is a link to one of the write ups on this interesting development regarding one of our most beloved Bruins.  Go MJD!

http://www.jacksonville.com/business/2009-09 16/story/winn_dixie_and_jones_drew_have_new_partnership.

The Orlando Magic have apparently signed former UCLA forward Matt Barnes.  See story:

The Orlando Magic were on the verge of another bold acquisition late Monday, reaching an agreement in principle on a two-year deal with free-agent forward Matt Barnes.

Aaron Goodwin, the agent who represents both Barnes and All-Star Magic center Dwight Howard, confirmed the deal early Tuesday morning in a text message to the Orlando Sentinel.

"He has agreed to a two-year deal, and I believe that Dwight's recruitment of him truly sealed the deal," Goodwin wrote.

The agreement with the 6-foot-7 forward -- first reported by espn.com -- gives the defending Eastern Conference champions the additional wing player that Magic General Manager Otis Smith wanted. Barnes averaged 10.2 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game last season for the Phoenix Suns.

I think that the system that the Magic run, running the floor to set up the 3, is well-suited for Matt's game.  It is nice for me to see a Bruin in a Magic uniform.  Hoping that they will also go after recently released Earl Watson, although rumor has it that they are going after another Waton, C.J.

This take is solely based on what I have read about the game last night from the MSM, other Bruin boards, and the comments on this site. Due to difficult family circumstances, I am in rural West Virginia with a television situation that border’s on non-existent (about 10 stations with basis cable). No FSN. So I missed the game.

Woke up this a.m. to check the score and was disappointed at the outcome, but somewhat relieved at the score. The Bruins were expected to lose by 20+ and they ended up only a TD away.

The Bruins are 2-4. I think most reasonable fans closely following the program over the last decade would have expected 3-3 at this point, with losses to UT, BYU, and Oregon. The Bruins are only one game off from what people expected, despite losing Bell (he is still not 100%), Everett (did he play yesterday), Paulson, all in the first Q of the first game.

Notwithstanding this, I am seeing these type of comments (mostly on other boards):

Craft looks lost and scared
Coaching sucks (bad onside kick decision)
I am tired of losing
Bad penalties, delays of game
Bad clock management at the half
Running Game Sucks; Terrible Line
Bad tackling; Lockett

I don’t know if the people posting these types of comments are first year freshmen with delusions of granduer or Dorrell apologists, but the lack of perspective is appauling to say the least. Let’s looks at each of these complaints (arguably, it is easier for me to do this despite not seeing the game last night because I can focus solely on the results, and not be swayed by the emotion of the game):

Craft looks lost and scared.

Looks at the numbers. He threw for over 280 plus yards. His percentage is around 60%. 1 INT, which I guess came on a play where Austin was injured—thank God he appears to be OK—where the ball bounced off Austin’s hands. These are solid numbers by a kid who came to the program 7 months ago and was never expected to see the field. His arm strength is what it is—would you rather see another performance like the first half of UT. I for one would rather see short passes that work that long passes that end up i the hands of our opponent. Our other Qbs are not ready. Don’t you think CNC would be using them if they were ready? I have read comparisons of Kevin Craft to Brett Johnson. From someone who was a student in 1989 and cosely followed that team, those comparisons are simply laughable.

Coaching sucks (bad onside kick decision in 3rd Q).

If the play works and we go down the field, score to tie the game 14-14, and gain all the momentum, CRN is a genius. Hindsight is 20/20. I’ll take my changes with a coach who is willing to roll the dice to try to shock the world in the most hostile venue in college football.

I am tired of losing.

Anyone who thinks that the Bruins could erase the past and turn into a contender in less than one season is delusional, especially considering the injuries. As mentioned above, the Bruins are only one loss (or one fumble against Fresno State) from being where most expected, and one poster (on another site) compared the Bruins unfavorably to Harbaugh’s Standford team. Well, Jim Harbaugh’s team was 3-9 last season (with a glorious, shocing victory against SUC). They are coming around and are much improved with a coach who is very similar to CRN. I foresee a Stanford type season for the Bruins next year. I also foresee the Bruins beating Stanford next week.

Bad penalties, delays of game.

The Bruins are much improved over last season, where multple delay-of-game-penalty-games occurred repeatedly AT THE ROSE BOWL!!! And the Bruins never varied the snap count last season—all snaps were “on one”—so this never needed to be discussed in the huddle. I am willing to give the team a pass at the exceedingly loud Autzen. Because of that venue, this one game cannot be used as a measuring stick to compare progress from last season.

Bad clock management at the half.

From what I can tell, CRN tried to move the ball toward a score with less than 2 minutes left in the first half (while down 7-0), and was unsuccessful in goin so (without running out much clock). As such, the Ducks got the ball back with enough time to score and go up 14-0 at the half. As stated above with respct to the 3rd Q onside kick, I will take my chances with a coach who is playing to win the game rather than go into a shell, take a knee, and run out the clock. If the Bruins score and tie the game at the half, everyone is praising CRN.

Running Game Sucks; Terrible Line

Anyone who thinks that this isn’t a work in progress is living in dream land. These guys had never played together before as a unit and had next to no experience before this seaon. Some of the guys with experience are now injured or not playing. The line was improving until WSU last week, where they stcked the box. With respct to this game, it is not unreasonable to discount the effect of Autzen on the line’s ability to communicate and work as a team in that environment. The line is getting better and will continue to get better. Bell is clearly not 100%. Dean and Carter are hurt. I foresee a much improved effort next week against Stanford.

Bad tackling; Lockett.

There is no excuse for bad tackling. Although I didn’t see the game, I recall some of our more promising, young players missing tackling in weeks past (Ayers, Moore). These guys are true freshmen oftentimes trying to tackle guys that are 3 or 4 years older, and more physically mature. There is a big difference between an 18 year old kid and and 22 year old man. As for Lockett, the prevous coaching staff left the cupboard bare. His backups are all freshmen.

In summary, 31-24, is better than what many predicted. I didn’t see the game and all the warts, but from an objective review of the stats and from reading what others posted (chicken littles aside), it appears that we are continuing to move in the right direction.

It is not the time to panic and point fingers. Keep supporting the team and these kids. The effort is there and, I believe, will continue to be there end the last whistle of the last game. They wil not quit. Continue to be relentlessly positive. My passion bucket is still full and I hope true Bruin fans’ passion bucket remain so as well. This team will continue to improve and, I believe, will split the remainder of its 6 games (unlike past regimes, which started fast and faded in November). That would put them at 5-7, which is right where most expected they would be.

Looking forward to a solid effort against a much improved Stanford team next week.

GO BRUINS!